Pre-Treatment Tips: How to Prep Your Skin Before a Facial at Salvation Aesthetics

Whether you're visiting Salvation Aesthetics in Kenosha for the first time or you're a returning client booking your monthly facial, proper skin preparation is key to getting the most out of your treatment. Facials are most effective when your skin is healthy, calm, and ready to receive advanced ingredients and techniques. Below are our professional pre-treatment facial tips to help you achieve the best results, reduce sensitivity, and keep your skin safe.

women applying facial serums

1. Avoid Exfoliation Before Your Appointment

We recommend avoiding all forms of exfoliation—including scrubs, AHAs/BHAs, enzymes, and retinols—at least 3 to 5 days before your facial. Over-exfoliation can cause sensitivity, inflammation, or compromise the skin barrier, especially if your treatment includes professional exfoliation like dermaplaning, enzymes, or extractions.

2. Pause Retinoids and Active Topicals

If you're using prescription-strength skincare such as tretinoin, adapalene, or other retinoids, it's important to discontinue use for at least 5 to 7 days before your facial. This also applies to strong acne treatments or products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. Let your esthetician know if you're using any medical-grade skincare or undergoing dermatologist-led treatments.

3. Hold Off on Waxing and Hair Removal

Avoid waxing, dermaplaning, threading, or using depilatory creams on your face for at least 5 days before your appointment. These services can thin the top layer of your skin, increasing your risk of irritation or post-treatment peeling. If you’re planning to get your brows waxed or tinted, be sure to schedule those services after your facial, not before.

4. Stay Out of the Sun

Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, or sunburn before your facial. Skin that is sunburned or actively healing from UV damage is not safe to treat and may react poorly to professional skincare products. If you’ve recently been on vacation or spent time outdoors, wait until your skin is fully healed before booking.

5. Skip Makeup the Day of Your Appointment

Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin if possible. This allows your esthetician to get a clear view of your skin’s current condition and reduces the need for extra cleansing. If you’re coming straight from work or another commitment, no worries—your skin will be properly prepped before treatment begins.

6. Share Any Medical or Skin History

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have any allergies or recent cosmetic procedures (like Botox, fillers, microneedling, or laser), please wait 2-4 weeks before a treatment. This helps us ensure your safety.

7. Avoid Using New Products Right Before Your Appointment

Trying new products in the days leading up to your facial can increase the risk of irritation or allergic reaction. Stick with your usual, trusted skincare products and save product testing for 2 weeks after your facial—once your esthetician has assessed your skin and made recommendations.

Why These Tips Matter

Preparing your skin helps your esthetician work more effectively and reduces the chances of post-treatment sensitivity or breakouts. At Salvation Aesthetics, we prioritize your skin’s integrity and aim to deliver transformative yet gentle treatments that support long-term skin health.

Understanding Your Skin's Needs

Every skin type is unique. Understanding your skin's specific needs is crucial for achieving the best results. If you have acne-prone skin, for example, your pre-treatment routine may differ from someone with sensitive skin. Tailoring your approach ensures that we can provide the most effective treatment possible.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in your skincare routine is vital. Regularly using products suited to your skin type can enhance the effectiveness of your facial treatments. We encourage you to maintain a consistent routine that aligns with the advice of your esthetician.

Ready to Glow?

If you're looking for acne treatments, dermaplaning, hydration facials, or customized skincare in Kenosha, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Following these pre-treatment tips helps us give you the best possible results—so you leave feeling confident, refreshed, and radiant.

By preparing your skin properly, you set the stage for a successful facial experience. Remember, we are here to support you on your skincare journey. Let's work together to achieve your skin goals!